WHAT PARENTS HAVE TO SAY

More than 2,000 people commented on a CBC Facebook page about the Buddy Bench at a Saskatoon school. The overwhelming majority loved the idea, but a few parents were concerned. Here’s a selection of comments:

“Brilliant stuff, love it ... for schools, park benches, city squares, everywhere. There are so many lonely people out there in need of a kind word and a smile. Genius.” Suzanne Daley

“Am going to my son’s school to see if they would consider this, I will even buy the bench! Breaks my heart when kids are left out and need a “Buddy” so come Monday morning I am going down to present this to the school!” Richio Nichole Erin

“Centennial ’67 Public School in Spencerville, Ontario built a buddy bench and all the students made an oath and then put their thumbprint on the buddy bench. It sits in the playground and is available to all students. A great concept!” Debbie Connell

“My daughter’s school has a buddy bench. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any meaning to the students who are in middle school; she is tormented every day of her life. Kids are nasty.” Camie Garcia

“This is such a wonderful idea. I also like the idea where they use 4th graders, who volunteer and are trained, to be helpful friends. They watch the Buddy Bench and if they can find no one to play with the child sitting on the bench they play with them. I feel this would carry through in their lives to be more inclusive of everyone. All schools, parks, cities & towns should have a buddy bench for when someone needs a ‘buddy.’ ” Rosetta Brown Embry

“My granddaughter recently started a new school. And she always tells me that she (has) no friends in school. I wish she had a buddy bench.” Sarah Pike

“What a great idea. I think we could use a buddy bench in shopping malls, on the street, in the park and even at work. There are a lot of shy and lonely people who would have a much better day if a “Buddy” sat with them, even for a few minutes.” Adrienne Desjardins

“This is a “cute” idea. However, real life doesn’t have ‘buddy benches.’ You can’t just sit and hope/wait for someone to come rescue you. While it might inspire compassion towards others for some, why not encourage active social skills rather than passive waiting and expectation that someone will notice you?” Tara Lynn

“Brilliant idea! Most of the kids need it especially in their primary school! ‘I’m lonely at school’ is one their biggest fears.” Eman Shetta

“The best idea ever. I wish it was thought of when I was in school. I was a loner due to being the new kid in school almost yearly — dad was in the Air Force.” Anne Auburn

“While I wish we had one of those at my elementary school growing up ... I know that if I sat on it ... I would have been bullied. Being a lonely outcast is far better than (being) tortured. Just imagine, the low-income overweight black girl sitting on that bench at a predominantly ritzy school. Totally wouldn’t have worked out.” Danie Foster